Which place is cheaper, Darwin or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Surat Thani or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Darwin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Darwin?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
-
Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $68Darwin $148
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $68, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $148. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Surat Thani and Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $26Darwin $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $52Darwin $132
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani or Darwin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $26Darwin $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $15
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $21
- From Koh Phangan: Shared Transfer to Khao Sok/Ao Nang/Phuket: $24
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $38
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $38
- Koh Samui: Full Moon Party Boat Transfer to Koh Phangan: $39
- Koh Samui: Official Hawk Adventure Zipline Park, No Transfer: $54
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $60
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
-
Shuttle to Train Station$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $195
- Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $100
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $97
- Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise with Darwin Transfer Bus: $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $84
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $84
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $84
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin and Surat Thani change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one daySurat Thani $27Darwin $69
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
-
Dinner$4.51
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Island Vista Tour with Dinner and Transfers: $36
- Jungle Adventure with Bamboo Cooking Class in Khao Sok: $49
- Bamboo Fire Cooking Survival Experience from Khao Sok: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao: $61
- Koh Phangan: The Best Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $76
- Koh Phangan: Jungle Walk and Authentic Thai Cooking Class: $105
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $117
- Koh Samui: Japanese Cooking Class w/ Chef Daniel at W Samui: $124
- Koh Samui: All-Inclusive Romantic Dinner, Private Beach, and Sunset: $796
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $110
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $134
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $134
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $5.47Darwin $16
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Koh Samui: Minigolf International Entry Ticket: $12
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $21
- Koh Tao: Full-Day Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Hotel Pick-up: $25
- Koh Tao: Half-Day Sunset Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Pickup: $26
- Koh Samui Temple Tour: Big Buddha Guanyin and Na Muang Waterfall: $30
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $31
- Koh Tao: 5-Bay Guided Snorkeling Tour with Photos: $34
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $34
- Ko Samui: Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum & Koh Tan: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $47
- Koh Pha Ngan: Options Discover of ATV or Zipline Adventures: $48
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $39
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $43
- Berry Springs + Crocodile Cruise: $128
- Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours: $103
- Corroboree Billabong 2.5 hour Lunch Cruise: $82
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $53
- Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 2 hour Sunset Cruise: $70
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Darwin City Explorer Tour: $124
- Darwin City Sightseeing Tour: $70
- Darwin City Tour + Crocodile Cruise: $110
- Darwin Harbour Gaze and Graze Sunset Cruise: $92
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.46Darwin $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
-
Evening at a Bar$17
-
Glass of Wine$4.89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Darwin, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surat Thani is in Asia and Darwin is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin than you might in Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Darwin?
Darwin has a larger population, and is about 93080 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani and Darwin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani or Darwin?
Darwin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin and Surat Thani during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surat Thani in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.
Darwin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Darwinin January. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In October, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 27°C (81°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Darwinin April. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Darwin. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Darwinin July. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches.
In the spring, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surat Thani in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.
In April, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Darwinin October. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.